Noem returns donation from tax evader

Oct. 9, 2012

Written by

Rep. Kristi Noem has returned $4,000 in campaign contributions from a man convicted last week of felony tax evasion.

Edward Picardi of Sturgis was convicted on 13 charges stemming from accusations he filtered millions of dollars through offshore accounts to avoid taxes.

He and his wife, Sandra Picardi, gave Noem a combined $4,000 in the past two years. The Picardis also gave Noem $4,500 in 2010, a previous election cycle.

Between them they have given more than $25,000 to Republican causes dating back to 2003, according to Federal Election Commission data.

The South Dakota Democratic Party on Monday released an email calling on Noem to return the Picardis’ money. Noem campaign manager Tom Erickson said the campaign “immediately returned the donation upon learning of the conviction.”